Interior PS Raymond Omollo during a past engagement with private security guards./FILE
President William Ruto will host more than 5,000 private security guards on Thursday in a historic engagement expected to culminate in a raft of reforms and welfare pledges for the sector.
The meeting, the first of its kind at State House, is expected to give security guards a rare opportunity to present their challenges directly to the Head of State as he outlines the government's plans for the industry.
Sources familiar with the preparations said Ruto is expected to unveil reforms aimed at improving the welfare of private security officers, whose numbers are estimated at more than 1.2 million across the country.
The move is likely to be viewed as part of the President's wider strategy to deepen engagement with organised groups ahead of the 2027 General Election.
An invitation issued by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) on Tuesday directed private security firms, industry associations and the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union to send guards to the State House meeting.
"The purpose of this letter is to formally invite Private Security Officers (Security Guards) from your security firm, association or union to attend a meeting scheduled to take place at State House, Nairobi," reads the letter signed by PSRA Chief Executive Officer Philip Leakey Okello.
The authority said the meeting will be held on Thursday from 8 a.m. at State House.
"The meeting details are as follows: Venue: State House, Nairobi. Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026. Time: 8:00 a.m.," the invitation states.
Private security firms were also instructed to confirm the attendance of their officers to facilitate planning for the event.
The gathering comes amid growing calls for better pay, improved working conditions and the full implementation of reforms under the Private Security Regulation Act.
For years, guards have complained of low wages, long working hours, lack of medical cover and delayed implementation of minimum employment standards despite playing a critical role in protecting homes, businesses, institutions and public facilities.
Established under the Private Security Regulation Act, the PSRA is mandated to regulate the industry, license service providers and promote professionalism in the sector.
Thursday's meeting adds to a series of engagements Ruto has held with organised groups at State House as he seeks to strengthen ties with key constituencies.
In recent weeks, the President has hosted thousands of village elders, National Government Administration Officers and religious leaders.
